Russian Fugitive Arrested in France After Hospital Escape

A 31-year-old Russian fugitive who staged a spectacular escape from a hospital in Bruges, Belgium more than seven weeks ago has been arrested in northern France, bringing an end to an intensive cross-border manhunt. Alaouidi Djabrailov was apprehended Monday evening in Englos, near Lille, by the judicial police of Lille, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. The investigating judge in Bruges has already initiated extradition proceedings to return him to Belgium.

The Spectacular Escape

Djabrailov’s escape on Friday, June 5, 2026, was nothing short of audacious. He had been brought to AZ Sint-Jan hospital in Bruges for a planned surgery and was on the 10th floor changing clothes when his handcuffs were briefly removed. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed a sharp object, threatened two unarmed prison guards, managed to remove his ankle shackles, and fled through the stairwell — all in full view of patients and visitors.

A witness waiting at the elevators described the moment to HLN: “The look in his eyes was indescribable. A look full of hate.” CCTV footage captured him heading through the parking tower toward the expressway, after which his trail went cold.

The hospital was immediately placed on lockdown. Hans Rigauts, general director of AZ Sint-Jan, said the entrance hall was evacuated and everyone was confined for approximately 45 minutes until police confirmed the detainee was no longer on the premises.

Massive Manhunt

Police launched an extensive search operation involving the COBRA special intervention team, a federal police helicopter, and sniffer dogs scouring the surrounding woods — all without immediate success. National and international search alerts, including through the Schengen Information System, were issued. VRT NWS reported at the time that police warned the public not to approach the fugitive.

For nearly two months, Djabrailov remained at large despite intensive cooperation between Belgian and French law enforcement agencies. The breakthrough came Monday evening when French police arrested him in Englos, a commune near Lille. Authorities released no further details about the circumstances of the arrest.

A History of Violence and Escape Attempts

Djabrailov was serving a 40-month sentence for armed carjacking at the time of his escape. In late 2024, he pulled a 79-year-old woman from her car near Citadelpark in Ghent, shouting “Dégage!” (Get out!). The woman hit her head on the ground but remained attached by her seatbelt, dragged along as he sped off. He abandoned the car in Liedekerke, broke into a home demanding keys, stole a van, and eventually crashed into a house in Dilbeek.

Prior convictions include a 13-month sentence for burglary and attempted car theft in Kortrijk in 2022, where he hid on a greenhouse roof. Most notably, he had previously attempted to escape from Ghent prison with an accomplice. They dug a hole in their cell wall, built an improvised ladder from bunk bed steps tied with sheets, and cleared the first wall before Djabrailov fell at the second, sustaining serious injuries.

Security Concerns and Unanswered Questions

The escape has raised serious questions about prison security protocols in Belgium. Djabrailov was escorted by two unarmed guards during a hospital visit — a security arrangement that critics have flagged as inadequate, particularly given his known history of escape attempts. The incident follows broader concerns about overcrowding and security in Belgian prisons, including a recent mattress fire at Bruges prison that sent three guards to the hospital.

Several questions remain unanswered: How did Djabrailov obtain the sharp object used in the escape? Did he have outside assistance during his seven weeks on the run? Where was he hiding in France? And will he face additional charges for the escape itself?

What’s Next

The extradition process has begun under the European Arrest Warrant framework, which allows for streamlined extradition between EU member states. Given Djabrailov’s criminal record, escape history, and international wanted status, Belgian authorities are expected to implement heightened security measures upon his return. The case is likely to fuel ongoing debates about prison security protocols and the adequacy of escort procedures for high-risk detainees during medical transfers.